By Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA)
The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.
This episode’s guests visit us virtually from Calgary for a discussion all about building missing middle housing across Alberta. Studio North’s Matt Kennedy discusses building missing middle housing in the mountains and translates lessons learned from this context to apply across the province. Matt shares more about the Astor project in Banff, which exemplifies how to balance design excellence with affordability and meet the needs of a local community.
Check out the Aster project here: https://www.studionorth.ca/banff-aster-affordable-housing
See the sneak peak of the Aster documentary: The Aster Banff - Affordable Housing Project - Documentary Trailer
Matthew's career began with a passion for craftsmanship, starting as an apprentice finishing carpenter during his high school years. He honed his skills and pursued higher education at Dalhousie University, where he earned a Master's in Architecture. Matthew sees how architecture influences human experiences. His focus goes beyond aesthetics; he aims to design spaces that bring delight, beauty utility to enhance daily life. Presently, Matthew is intent on merging construction knowledge with architectural innovation to produce efficient, affordable, and beautifully crafted buildings. His goal is to create environments that positively impact the lives of the individuals and families who inhabit them, underscoring the profound effect of architecture on our well-being.
The guests on this episode of In-Development are familiar faces! Mariah Samji and Sean Sedgwick join forces to talk about the past, present, and future of IDEA. As Mariah moves on from her role as Executive Director of IDEA, she discusses the legacy and impact the organization has had on the City as well as herself personally. Sean shares what drew him to IDEA and what he hopes the organization can do moving forward. Together, they stew on the challenges, opportunities and future outlook of infill development in Edmonton.
Mariah Samji served as the Executive Director of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) from 2017 to 2024. Driven by a passion for creating inclusive spaces for everyone, she pursued a career in city planning. During her time at IDEA, Mariah worked with the infill community to establish the Builders Education Program, launched IDEA’s annual Infill Symposium, organized numerous events to connect and educate people to make infill easier, started a podcast on redevelopment, contributed to reducing unnecessary infrastructure costs, and collaborated with local experts to implement policy changes that positioned Edmonton as a leader in infill development across Canada.
Sean Sedgwick is the new Executive Director of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association. Sean’s fascination with urban infrastructure and development led him to turn his passion for urbanism from a hobby to a career with the Masters in Urban and Regional Planning program at the University of Alberta. Sean's experience includes a number of years spent working in technology service and support helping to educate and mentor clients and coworkers. He also has a diverse academic background bridging the studies of space and human behaviour, and a personal passion for music and graphic design. He is thrilled to bring these passions to IDEA and put them to use in service of building a better Edmonton.
Join us for a dynamic episode of the In Development podcast as we sit down with Chelsea Whitty and Jordan Riemer, two innovative urban planners making significant impacts on Edmonton's urban landscape.
Jordan Riemer is an Urban Planner in Edmonton who specializes in merging equity and land-use considerations into transportation planning. With a background that includes six years at DIALOG, Jordan has been involved in major projects such as the Valley Line West LRT and the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion Program, showcasing his expertise in solving complex city-building challenges.
Chelsea Whitty is an Associate at DIALOG, where she excels in urban design, sustainable integration, and public engagement. Her portfolio includes significant projects like Kinistinâw Park and the MacEwan University Campus Master Plan, demonstrating her commitment to creating thoughtful and resilient urban environments.
In this episode, we delve into the transformative projects shaping Edmonton's future. Jordan discusses his work on the Valley Line LRT and Edmonton's approach to Sustainable Urban Integration (SUI), emphasizing how innovative transit design can enhance community connectivity and accessibility. Chelsea Whitty shares insights into her projects, focusing on the importance of public engagement and collaborative urban design.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in urban planning as Jordan and Chelsea share their experiences and visions for Edmonton's growth. Discover how their collaborative approaches and innovative thinking are driving positive change in the city.
Tune in to learn more about the exciting projects redefining Edmonton's urban landscape and the passionate planners behind them.
Join us for an engaging episode of the In Development podcast as we welcome Puneeta McBryan, CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA). Puneeta stepped into her role in December 2020, navigating the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a leader and connector, she collaborates with government bodies, the private sector, arts and cultural organizations, post-secondary institutions, and social services to foster vibrancy and economic prosperity in Edmonton's downtown. Her efforts have earned her recognition as the Inspired Leader of the Year by IABC Edmonton, one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 by Edify Magazine, and the recipient of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Community Impact Award.
In this episode, Puneeta shares her journey from the field of marketing and communications to leading the EDBA, offering insights into the evolution of downtown Edmonton since her last podcast appearance in April 2022. Listeners can expect to hear about significant changes, including the impact of new projects like Warehouse Park and the High Level Line, and how these developments contribute to downtown’s resilience.
Puneeta delves into the current state of downtown, discussing the flourishing tech industry, the effects of hybrid work models, and the importance of BIAs in enhancing the downtown experience. She also addresses the challenges of residential development, safety concerns, and the ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, inclusive community.
Tune in to learn more about the dynamic landscape of downtown Edmonton, the strategic initiatives of the EDBA, and Puneeta’s vision for the future. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on urban development and community building.
Join us for an insightful discussion on urban development as we connect with Clarence Wong, Vice President at Investec Consulting. Born and raised in Edmonton, Clarence's background includes a BSc in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering Degree in Construction Management from the University of Alberta. His 20-year career spans consulting and public service, with experience in Transportation Planning, City Planning, and leading roles in both Provincial and Municipal levels.
In this episode, Clarence shares his journey from working with the City of Edmonton to his current role at Invistec, outlining the differences between the public and private sectors. Listeners can expect to hear about some of the challenges, but also opportunities, that emerge in balancing municipal needs with private development interests. Clarence provides a deep dive into the decision-making processes, highlighting the distinct motivations and objectives that drive each sector.
Edmonton's City Plan comes to the forefront of the discussion as Clarence touches on some of the collaborative efforts required to meet densification goals, such as removing barriers and creating incentives to catalyze infill development. He shares valuable insights into the infrastructure requirements from an engineering perspective, emphasizing the holistic life cycle approach needed to create vibrant communities.
Tune in to learn more about the dynamics of public and private and the role each sector plays in building inclusive, sustainable communities.
Join us for a candid conversation on affordable housing as we sit down with Jonathan Lay, Vice President in Projects for HomeEd. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience from his background in civil engineering to his current role in property management, where he's passionate about crafting communities that thrive.
In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the complexities of affordable housing, clarifying the distinction between affordable housing and housing affordability. We delve into HomeEd's mission of providing near-market housing, offering a blend of market rent and subsidized units to meet the diverse needs of Edmonton's residents.
Discover the faces behind affordable housing as Jonathan shares insights into the demographics of residents, from seniors to single-parent families and new Canadians. Together, we explore the historical trends and challenges in Edmonton's housing landscape and the innovative strategies employed by HomeEd to address these gaps.
From the Affordable Housing Strategy to zoning bylaws and financial support programs, Jonathan highlights the collaborative efforts needed to increase the availability of affordable housing. As we wrap up, Jonathan encourages listeners to educate themselves on affordable housing and advocate for inclusive community development.
In this episode, listeners are invited to explore waste management and innovation with Jordan Denault, a business development manager at Underground Disposal Systems (UDS). Jordan delves into his work in the waste management industry and its intersection with infill development. The conversation spans across waste management practices in Edmonton, encompassing traditional methods and the rise of solutions like underground silos pioneered by UDS. Jordan provides an insightful overview of UDS's role, from design to installation, emphasizing the functionality of their underground bins.
Advantages and challenges of underground waste disposal systems take center stage, alongside examples of their implementation in various locations, from bustling commercial centers like Edmonton's Currents of Windermere to residential neighbourhoods in Sherwood Park and Calgary. The discussion also touches upon evolving trends in waste management, such as endeavours to integrate bins with green spaces. Drawing comparisons to waste management practices in other cities like Calgary and Saskatoon, Jordan sheds light on regulatory hurdles and opportunities for improvement in urban waste management. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of waste management, appealing to those interested in sustainability, urban planning, or technological innovation.
–
Jordan Denault is a business development manager at Underground Disposal Systems (UDS), a Western Canadian distributor of underground waste collection systems. He has been with UDS for over 3 years and his focus is helping improve the waste management experience right from working with developer and architect partners through to the end users.
Locally owned and operated, UDS is Western Canada’s first waste disposal company dedicated solely to the sale, installation, and maintenance of semi-underground waste collection systems across Western Canada. UDS prides itself on offering solutions to meet their clients’ needs for more functional and aesthetically pleasing sites.
Today on In Development, we're excited to welcome Simran Malhi, Vice President of IDEA and the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Building Supply Depot. Their vision? To revolutionize the procurement of exterior building supplies, offering a seamless experience for builders, contractors, and developers. Simran shares her journey of identifying a crucial industry gap and crafting a solution that blends the meticulousness of interior design with the practicality of exterior construction. She gives insight into trends in building materials, highlighting resilient products tailored for Alberta's diverse weather conditions while championing sustainability. Join us for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, innovation and philanthropy!
-
Simran is a trailblazer in the field of building supplies and construction, bringing a fresh and dynamic perspective to an industry traditionally dominated by men. Her journey as an immigrant who hustled her way to success showcases her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Simran embodies leadership and advocacy, inspiring others to challenge the status quo and drive positive change in the building supplies and construction industry.
Her journey with IDEA began when she ventured into infill projects and experienced firsthand the challenges faced by builders. This led her to eagerly join IDEA’s pilot program, where she discovered the association’s invaluable solutions and the power of collective action. Recognizing the need to attract and empower young individuals in these industries, Simran is deeply committed to fostering growth and driving positive change in Edmonton.
As the co-founder and CEO of Building Supply Depot (BSD), she has created the ultimate one-stop shop for all exterior supplies. BSD offers exceptional value, providing everything from excavation materials to lumber, roofing, siding, and stone supplies. By supporting the city’s building projects, BSD actively contributes to the transformation of Edmonton’s architecture Simran’s passion for giving back to society has led her to establish non-profit endeavors that unite people in sponsoring underprivileged children and providing them with quality education.
Through her platform, she creates meaningful opportunities for a brighter future.
Today, David and Melissa Campbell join In Development to discuss their award winning missing middle housing development, T5M Connect. From a sign collecting development suggestions written in sharpie to accessibility decisions and landscaping, David and Melissa share their experience building the first Passive House Certified Multi-family building in Alberta! Environmental leadership was woven through the project from design to construction, and they highlight some of the components that go into a building that uses as little energy as possible. They also discuss the process of re-zoning to DC2, and the huge role that community engagement played in the approval of that change. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation!
-
With more than 18 years of experience in the construction industry, David Campbell is highly respected in the Edmonton market. He has built a strong reputation among city officials, consultants, developers, clients, suppliers and trade contractors, who have recognized his knowledge and experience.
David is a highly qualified individual with a strong background in Design, Development and Project Management, particularly in large and small-scale multi-family commercial and residential construction. He holds a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, a Red Seal Journeyman Certificate, and is also a Passive House Certified Builder.
David’s expertise extends to energy saving techniques, including the Passive House Initiative, and he has worked on a range of projects encompassing both wood-frame and concrete constructions. He has extensive experience in the conversion of commercial projects, as well as new construction of multi-family , commercial, and infill townhome & single-family residential projects, handling them from concept through completion.
Melissa is a collaborator, an optimist, and a believer in the power of the collective. She has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 19 years, a role which has allowed her to hone her skills in connection, effective problem-solving, and enhancing communication. She is passionate about using these skills to build relationships and communication in groups and organizations. She is the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for T5M Connect, a development company that builds multifamily housing that is environmentally sustainable, accessible, and community-oriented.
Melissa recently launched Stop, Collaborate, & Listen, Ltd. a company that provides community engagement and group facilitation support to purpose-driven organizations and companies. Current projects include: community engagement for the Braemar Baptist Church Redevelopment Project, engagement facilitation for Edmonton Regional Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC), and project management for Green Violin/Urban Matters Unconventional Actors in Affordable Housing project.
Melissa holds a Masters of Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. She has also completed a Certificate in Dialogue & Civic Engagement and a Certificate in Restorative Justice, both from Simon Fraser University. She is an active community member and volunteer and sits on the board of the North Glenora Community League and is the Chair of the board of Edmonton Youth Justice. The greatest challenge and joy of her life has been raising 3 incredible daughters with her husband, David.
The guiding principles of all that Melissa does are collaboration, iteration, and an abundance mindset. She believes that if we work together, we can tap into the brilliance that is all around us and create something greater than the sum of its parts. For more information visit: www.stopcollaborateandlisten.ca
On today’s episode, embark on a riveting journey through the heart of Edmonton's urban transformation with the Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative. In this episode, hosts Allison and Lilit are joined by key figures from the City of Edmonton, Darbi Kinnee and Lyla Peter. Together they unravel the city's efforts to create zoning regulations that work for Edmonton, the philosophy guiding the renewal, and the collaborative efforts that engaged diverse stakeholders, including IDEA. Darbi and Lyla delve into the key shifts in the zoning bylaw, the retirement of overlays, the introduction of mixed-use zones, and how the new zoning bylaw allows for more dynamic and equitable city building. Listen now and visit the links below for more information and resources discussed in the episode.
Darbi Kinnee is the Strategist for the Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative with the City of Edmonton. She is a proud alumnus of the University of Alberta's School of Urban and Regional Planning and has varied experience in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining the Zoning Bylaw team, Darbi has honed her skills in heritage preservation, government relations, and the implementation of key strategic planning policies - including the 2018 Infill Roadmap. Fueled by a passion for urban development, Darbi has a keen interest in local planning issues, consistently seeking innovative solutions to shape more vibrant and sustainable communities.
Lyla Peter is the Director of Development Approvals and Inspections at the City of Edmonton. Her team focuses on issuing development permits and licenses, overseeing compliance activities related to zoning bylaw, lot grading, landscaping, and leading on related policies. Her role is interdisciplinary and she often collaborates with City teams like planning and development, infrastructure development, waste, community standards and housing programs. She loves working towards building a more equitable and responsive community and learning from diverse perspectives, and her fascination with community and exploring what makes them function and thrive has led to her living and working in three countries - Canada, United States, and the United Kingdom. Lyla holds a MBA in Urban Regeneration from the University of Liverpool and a BA in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan. She also sits on the Habitat for Humanity Edmonton Community Advisory Council and has been a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners Planning Student Trust Foundation Jury since 2021.
Episode Resources:
The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.
30,751 Listeners
38,728 Listeners
7 Listeners